Offense
Despite the suspension and the loss of Jeremiah Masoli to Ole Miss, Oregon returns of the most of the talented offensive football teams in the nation from 2009. At RB Pac 10 Player of the Year and Heisman Trophy candidate LaMichael James returns after a fabulous freshman season that saw James take Pac 10 Player of the Year honors. In just 11 starts last season, James rushed for 1,546 while averaging 6.7 ypc! Oregon also has trememdous depth behind James as they signed one of the nation’s top RBs out the state of Texas in Lache Seastruck. This may be the nation’s best one two punch in RB in all of college football, especially running behind an offensive line that returns its entire 2 deep and paved the way for 232 rushing yards per game in 2009.
Oregon must continue the success on the ground, however, because there is some inexperience in the passing game. Sophomore QB Darron Thomas has been forced into the starting role due to the suspension and transfer of Masoli. Oregon also loses All-American TE Ed Dickson from last year’s squad as well as two starting WR. The Duck loaded up in the junior college ranks on signing day as they inked 3 new players, one in Lavasier Tuinei who the coaches are very high on and should start immediately. There will be a lot of pressure on this unit to provide some relief for Thomas.
Defense
Oregon is very experienced on the defensive side on the ball and should have a solid campaign. Oregon’s returns their #2 and #3 tacklers from the 2009 LB corps. They also return three full time starters from the secondary including last season’s freshman sensation FS John Boyette who was was a freshman All-American. DC Nick Aliotti is one of the best DC’s in America you never hear about. He’ll have the unit ready and I expect another stellar season out of the “Gang Green” defense.
Overall
Since Chip Kelly took over from Mike Bellotti you have heard more about the Ducks exploits off the field rather than on it. RB LeGarrette Blount was suspended for the majority of 2009 for nearly getting into a fight with a fan after the Ducks’ opening season loss to Boise State. Now starting QB Jeremiah Masoli has been suspended for the entire 2010 season for a felony and is now competing with Nathan Stanley at Ole Miss for the starting job. If Masoli would have stayed out of trouble, I believe Oregon would have competed for a national title this season.
Nevertheless, Kelly has things on the right track as he is coming off a Rose Bowl season, and the Ducks may be even better in 2010. The Ducks are stronger at every position except for QB and TE. But, the schedule could prove to be difficult as Oregon only gets 4 Pac 10 home games and must travel to California, USC, and Oregon State. Expect the October 30 game at The Colseum to decide the PAC 10 title. But despite the outcome, the Ducks will be in Pasadena due to the USC’s NCAA bowl ban.
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